Our History
The Freire Schools story is one of bold vision, relentless dedication, and game-changing impact.
A Bold Idea for New School
After the 1997 Charter School Law passes, Jay Guben, Alphonse Pignataro, and a team of educators set out to shake up the education system by creating a school that reimagines education and empowers every student to succeed in high school, college, and beyond. They are joined early on by founding Board member Lisa Hoffstein, who still serves today.
What’s in a Name?
The founders are inspired by the teachings of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and his commitment to social justice and student voice.
Freire Charter School Approved
Freire Charter School is approved by the Philadelphia Board of Education, becoming one of the first charter schools in Pennsylvania. The school opens its doors at 1428 Arch Street to its first cohort of 100 eighth-grade students.
Kelly Davenport Becomes Head of School
Kelly Davenport is appointed the founding Head of School, setting the tone for a new approach to education, grounded in peace, safety, respect, and love.
Freire Implements Emotional Supports Model
Freire Charter School pioneers an innovative model to address student and family trauma. They partner with area universities, to offer counseling and therapy services from graduate students, at no cost to Freire students and their families.
The Partnership That Launches a Network
Tom Caramanico joins the Freire Schools Board, bringing a transformative partnership with McCormick Taylor that helps secure Freire High’s new home in 2003 and lays the groundwork for growing a network of schools through vital support, expertise, and mentorship.
Freire Charter School Finds a New Home
In partnership with the City of Philadelphia, Freire Charter School rehabs and relocates to 2026 Chestnut Street in the heart of Center City.
Freire’s Founding Class Graduates
The founding class of Freire students celebrates their graduation, marking a significant milestone. 95% of students graduated, compared to a national average of 60%. Of that class, 80% of students moved on to higher education, compared to the national average of 20% at the time.
Freire Schools Awards First Bridge to Wisdom Award
Former PA Speaker of the House and education attorney Bob O’Donnell is the first recipient of this award designed to honor individuals who have been active supporters and champions for the Philadelphia charter school movement.
After School Learning Comes Alive
Freire Charter School receives the first of many federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, allowing us to champion arts and STEM-based learning and achieve even greater academic excellence. All campuses receive this grant today!
Introducing…the Freire Foundation
Inspired by a decade of leadership, Kelly Davenport establishes the Freire Foundation in 2010, a nonprofit education philanthropy fund designed to support Freire Schools and catalyze educational change.
An EPIC Achievement
Kelly Davenport and the Freire team of teachers receive the New Leaders for New Schools’ Effective Practice Incentive Community (EPIC) award for driving achievement in high-need urban schools, with Freire High ranked among the top 20 nationwide for student learning growth.
Freire Charter School Earns National Title I Distinguished School Award
Freire Charter School becomes the first charter school in Pennsylvania to receive a national Title I Distinguished School Award, recognizing our success in narrowing the achievement gap.
Freire Charter Middle School Opens
With the support of an anonymous $750,000 investment, the Freire Family expands in 2012 with the opening of Freire Middle School. With this new campus, Freire Charter now can serve 1,000 students in grades 5-12.
Freire Charter School Wilmington Opens
At the request of Governor Jack Markell, Freire Schools works with the Longwood Foundation and the Delaware Department of Education to establish Wilmington's first public college-prep high school in decades with Freire Charter School Wilmington.
Expanding Our Network Operations
To better manage multiple charters across two states, we form a non-profit charter management organization. Kelly Davenport becomes CEO of this network office, which is renamed Freire Schools Collaborative in 2018.
TECH Freire Charter School Opens
TECH Freire Charter School secures a new charter from the School District of Philadelphia, becoming one of only five schools (of 38) to achieve this distinction that year following a ten-year charter moratorium!
Connecting Classrooms to Careers
Freire Schools launches Freire Forward, a network-wide initiative connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences, helping students build career skills and a clear vision for their future through lessons, field trips, dual enrollment, and eventually the Freire Experienceship Program.
Freire Schools Graduates More Dragons Than Ever
Both Freire Wilmington and TECH Freire celebrate the accomplishments of their first graduating classes!
Leading Through Crisis: Swift COVID Response
When the COVID-19 pandemic shuts schools down nationwide, Freire Schools respond with speed and purpose, getting laptops to every student and ensuring broadband access within a month. It’s a powerful example of strong, student-centered leadership in action. As we returned to in-person learning in 2021, we continued to expand trauma-informed practices, deepen emotional supports, and adapt our classrooms to the long-term impact of the pandemic.
A Million Reasons to Believe in Freire
The Sonecha Family Foundation pledges $1 million to power student success at Freire Wilmington.
Freire Schools Named a Gap-Busting Network
The Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University releases their latest charter school study, revealing that Freire Schools produce high performing charter schools whose academic growth places us as the highest performing charter management organization (CMO) in PA and among the highest in the country. Our schools are what CREDO calls “gap-busting” charter schools for our ability to close the achievement gap.
Bridge to Wisdom Award Renamed
At the 2024 Bridge to Wisdom celebration, the Freire Foundation renames the Bridge to Wisdom Award in honor of one of our longest-standing Board members and dear friend – the Dr. Gerald Escovitz Bridge to Wisdom Award.
Freire Launches Summer Experienceship to Prepare Students for Workforce
Freire launches their summer Experienceship Program with 30 students from TECH Freire and Freire High participating in two-week paid internships featuring soft skills training, team-building, job shadowing at 11 companies, and reflection sessions.
Distinguished Teacher Award Launched
The Freire Foundations launches the $10,000 Distinguished Teacher Award, recognizing outstanding educators across the Freire Schools network for their instructional excellence and contributions to student achievement.
Freire Wilmington Builds David W. Singleton Athletic Center
Under the leadership of David Singleton, Freire Wilmington builds a brand new athletic center, a project made possible through the power of philanthropy and a shared belief in what our students deserve. This space represents Freire’s commitment to wellness, connection, and community-building.
Two Decades Strong: Freire Alumni Reunite
125 Freire alumni join us for a 20-year reunion and networking event at Freire High. There, many alumni express interest in mentoring current students and sharing their experiences with our community.
Freire High and TECH Freire Named Top Philly Schools
As Freire Schools celebrates its 25th anniversary, Freire High is recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the top 20 schools in Philadelphia and TECH Freire is ranked #26, standing out among 46 District schools and 29 charter schools!
Paul Ramirez Becomes CEO & Launches Bold New Vision
Freire Schools begins an exciting new chapter under the leadership of CEO Paul Ramirez. Ramirez unveils a bold, forward-looking vision designed to expand opportunity and elevate what’s possible for every Freire student. Grounded in belonging, real-world learning, college preparation, and thriving with AI, this next chapter builds on Freire’s legacy while reaching toward an even brighter future.
The Future Is Freire
Our story continues to be one of joy, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of educational excellence.